Ketone/Aldehyde → Amine via Reductive Amination (Planning Page): Workflow + Practice

Reductive amination is the most direct way to convert carbonyls to amines: form an imine/iminium, then reduce it selectively.

• Reaction: Ketone/Aldehyde → Amine via Reductive Amination (Planning Page)
• What it does: Reductive amination is the most direct way to convert carbonyls to amines: form an imine/iminium, then reduce it selectively.
• Typical reagents: NaBH3CN, AcOH (or NaBH(OAc)3)
• Key intermediate: Iminium ion
• Driving force: Hydride delivery to electrophile
• Exam type: Choose reagents
• Exam type: Plan order of operations
• Exam type: Chemoselectivity